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Partial nitrification/Anammox� is a new method for nitrogen removal from wastewater. It targets wastewater streams (or gases) high in ammonium (>0.2 g/l) and low in organic carbon (C:N ratio lower than 0.15). The two processes proceed as follows:
(the produced acid is balanced by the counter-ion of ammonium, usually bicarbonate or sulfide) |
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Compared to conventional nitrification/denitrification, this method saves 100% of the required synthetic carbon source (i.e. methanol) and 50% of the required oxygen. This leads to a reduction of operational costs of 90%, a decrease in CO2 emissions of more than 100% (the process actually consumes CO2), and a decrease in energy demand. Wastewaters that are very suitable for treatment with anammox are sludge reject waters ("sludge liquor") and industrial wastewater (such as sour water) and gases. The two processes can usually be engineered in two separate reactors, or in a single vessel (the CANON-concept, "Completely Autotrophic N-removal Over Nitrite"). The first full-scale anammox reactor was installed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands (Waterschap Hollandse Delta). More info on application and installation can be obtained from Paques BV |
The first full scale anammox reactor, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It works at design load and removes over 500 kg N/day. |
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Patents: Mulder A. Anoxic ammonium oxidation. US patent 427849(5078884) (1992). Van Loosdrecht MCM and Jetten MSM. Method for treating ammonia-comprising wastewater. Patent PCT/NL97/00482 (1997). Dijkman H and Strous M. Process for ammonia removal from wastewater. Patent PCT/NL99/00446 (1999). Last updated: April 7, 2006 |
Anammox granules from the Rotterdam anammox reactor |
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